The long-awaited update to the Windows operating system — Microsoft Vista — has been found to have a plethora of flaws, including one flaw that makes it possible for an attacker to repeatedly disable a Microsoft Exchange mail server simply by sending the program an infected email message.
That flaw was found by software protection firm Determina, which made a blanket statement that attackers can inject rogue software into Vista-based computers.
Determina found five vulnerabilities, including one error in the software code underlying the company's new Internet Explorer 7 browser.
And just last week, the chief technology officer of Trend Micro said he had discovered an offer on an underground computer discussion forum to sell information about a security flaw in Vista for $50,000, according to a report.
More tech security firms say there is a growing underground market for information that permits attackers to break into systems via the Internet, the officer said.
While Microsoft says it continues to investigate the claims of code errors and flaws, the company finds itself with stiff competition from companies like Google, which has begun offering web-based applications that rival standard desktop software.